Apparel Mentor

Xochil with book Get It Made by Mindy Martell

We’ve partnered with The Apparel Mentor to offer our clients a discounted rate on their Monthly Guided Membership – normally $249 a month, now 20% off with Xochil’s special code (XOCHIL20)!

Having an understanding of the product development process before meeting with your pattern maker is crucial for effective communication and collaboration. This knowledge allows you to articulate your design vision clearly, understand the technical aspects of pattern making, and make informed decisions throughout the process. It also helps you manage expectations and timelines, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome for your project.

TCPM clients who have completed the program have highlighted how it helped them to become better communicators with us, as well as their suppliers and manufacturers, as they became more knowledgeable about industry vocabulary, expectations, and more. We recommend our incoming clients who are new to the industry to enroll in The Apparel Mentor program because it helps to significantly streamline and enhance their product development experience by providing expert guidance and support at every stage.

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BENEFITS OF COMPLETING THE APPAREL MENTOR PROGRAM

Foundational Knowledge

Comprehensive Education: Gain a better understanding of the entire apparel production process, from design and pattern making to sourcing materials and manufacturing.
Industry Insights: Learn about industry best practices, quality control standards, and cost-effective strategies.

Sourcing and Manufacturing

Vendor Connections: Access a network of manufacturers and suppliers, saving you time and effort in finding reliable partners.
Production Optimization: Receive expert advice on optimizing your production timeline, minimizing costs, and ensuring timely delivery.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Expert Guidance: Receive personalized advice and solutions to common challenges faced by apparel brands.
Strategic Decision Making: Make informed decisions about production techniques, materials, and sourcing strategies.

Continuous Improvement

Stay Updated: Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and sustainable practices.
Refine Your Process: Continuously refine your production process based on feedback and evolving market demands.

By leveraging the expertise and resources provided by The Apparel Mentor, you can significantly improve your production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of your apparel products.

Learn more about TCPM’s process and what to know before your first design meeting. Remember, the more prepared you are, the smoother your collaboration with The Chicago Pattern Maker will be!

Taking classes with The Apparel Mentor was a great experience! The class time worked great with my work schedule. It was engaging and well-structured, making the lessons more manageable which would otherwise seem overwhelming. What I really appreciated was the open environment where I felt comfortable asking questions—whether they were on the topic at hand or related to something else entirely. It was great to know that I wasn’t alone in my thoughts at times; hearing from others in the class, who had similar questions or perspectives, added so much value. Some of the things they asked were things I hadn't even thought about, and it helped broaden my understanding of the industry.

One of the most beneficial aspects was how well the course prepared me for working directly with The Chicago Pattern Maker. I felt more confident and knowledgeable when discussing technical aspects of pattern making and garment construction, which made the collaboration smoother and more productive. Overall, I left each session feeling more confident and inspired in my own journey within the apparel industry and it helped me take some of the next big steps with my brand. Highly recommend!

-Bojan Bokur, Kovert Modern

I have been in medical device sales my entire career. Early on, I recognized a need for a specialty garment that could drastically improve the lives of the patients I worked with, specifically their quality of life. The desire I had to create this garment grew each day and after every interaction I had with a patient I knew this product would help; but, where do I begin? I didn't have any experience with clothing design, manufacturing or distribution.

Years passed, and as though by divine appointment, I came across Mindy's book, Get It Made, and the program she created, The Apparel Mentor. I quickly preordered the book and joined the program. After six years, I finally took my first step in getting my idea made! The book and program helped me navigate the intricacies of the apparel industry and provided me with the tools and resources needed to push through the many obstacles a new brand encounter. Soon after joining the Apparel Mentor program, I was connected with The Chicago Pattern Maker, Xochil Herrera Scheer.

Xochil and I have been working together for nearly two years. She and her team have been incredibly helpful and a true resource of in-depth knowledge and expertise. They helped me source, design (and redesign), and construct my tech-pack flawlessly. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication she and her team put into making my dream a reality.

-Courtney Capra, Wesley Ward

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Why do we trust The Apparel Mentor?

Xochil has known Mindy Martell for many years, has visited her factory, Clothier Design Source, in Minnesota, and considers her a close industry friend. The two have collaborated together on several projects, spoken on panels together, and are both serving on the Board of Directors for the SEAMS Association. Xochil has endorsed Mindy's book, “Get It Made,” and utilizes it with her clients as well as her students at Columbia College.

Numerous TCPM clients have completed The Apparel Mentor program and have had nothing but positive experiences, which is another reason Xochil is proud to partner with Mindy.

“GET IT MADE” by The Apparel Mentor’s Mindy Martell

“As a patternmaker and product developer who has worked with many startups over the years, I have been so impressed with Mindy’s program and how prepared her students are for the realities of the industry. Everything from the order in which tasks need to be accomplished to the importance of identifying and always coming back to the target consumer, how to communicate effectively with vendors, factories and service providers, and setting the expectations for the prototyping process. Mindy is a trusted guide who presents information in an approachable way, yet doesn’t sugarcoat the fact that starting a business in fashion isn’t easy. She helps to navigate through the nuances and noise so entrepreneurs who follow the program have a big advantage over their competition.”

—XOCHIL HERRERA SCHEER, Apparel Engineer; Product Development Expert; Owner, The Chicago Pattern Maker

You can buy the book HERE.